Help with information on modern engine options

Hi All,
I am in the early stages of a restoration of a 1972 (Mk1) 2 door Escort.
Amongst other tasks (as converting it to RHD as I have a fully self restored dash set in storage) I am contemplating engine option.
 
I have a 1600 2737E Engine (mk2 Cortina block) with Kent cam (cant remember the number but it was equivalent to GT spec, so not too mad), proper twin choke carb and 4 branch manifold. Its rebuilt and just awaiting head bolts.
 
I suspect i will see about 80bhp from this and as much as i always wanted a Mexico...That is a hitting a little low.
 
Now i dont want to go bonkers. Budget is modest, but not enough for ITB´s, N/A cosworths etc. so I have been looking at Zetec and Duratec engines. 
 
My daily driver is a Fiesta ST with the 2.0 Duratec and its a nice lump but not without its problems. I was erring on the side of a Zetec as i love the retro rocker covers to make them look like a BDA lump.
 
But which is best? From what car? I live in Germany and getting spares is not that easy. Its easier to buy a car and break it to be honest. Quite a few Mk1 Focus still roaming about and lots of Mk2. Not many Mondeo except the Mk3 onwards.
 
Also what size. Part of me REALLY wants to keep it a 1600. But stock 1600 Focus are only 100BHP and i will probably drop the injection setup for carb(s) meaning a loss, meaning i wont be gaining much over my Xflow. the 1800 is an option at 110bhp meaning i will probably see 100bhp on carbs, but not a 1600.
 
Can the 1600 Zetec be coaxed up to 115/120bhp easily? Higher compression pistons? Cams? (although I want it drivable...I have a Burton 2.1 Pinto in a Mk2 Mexico years ago and it was as peaky as a 500cc 2 stroke). Bike carbs are a thing i am keen on too.
 
Sorry for all the questions. I know VERY little about the Zetec and its conversion. I am still surprised that my 1985 Fiesta XR2 i had in 1994 managed 95bhp on a carb and 8 valves when a 30 year newer 16v aluminium engine on injection only gained 4-5 bhp. The XR3i was 115bhp!
 
Cheers for any advice or reading suggestions.

martymexico
Hi there Rich, welcome to the forum

As I've done a lot of zetec conversions and tuned them etc, there's one thing here in Aust we didn't get is the 1600 zetec, we did get 1800 and 2000cc variants. If you go for either the 1.8 zetec which has about 115bhp and possibly more on bike carbs . It will all bolt to the gearbox except the clutch plate spline so swap that for the correct one . Engine mounts can be made or bought and you will need a water rail of some sort, Raceline etc, you'll need a sump conversion as well, run a Nodiz and carb it up you'll be driving in no time. As for headers there's plenty to choose or keep the stock asthmatic one till your ready. I've bought a turbo ramhorn from USA to cut back and use, cheap at about $145 !!
The Fiesta 1600 from 2003-2007 is a good lightweight revvy motor, it's used in formula Ford worldwide. I'm thinking of going one in my mk1 project as they are great little motors, it will need a belhousing adaptor made/bought and a water rail made up. I think on carbs they can get 120bhp-150bhp . Try to avoid the vct models, more problems.

Hi Marty,

sorry to burst someone else’s thread
im progressing well with my Zetec conversion, just wondering which radiator do you recommend?
UK products bit pricey, just wondering if there are alternatives here in Aus with a Fan.
 
thx
bru